Was the 16th century Reformation a “revival?”

I recently read this question in a book and felt intrigued by it.  After giving it some thought I have come to the conclusion that the Reformation was indeed a genuine revival.  I realize that most of us may not have viewed it as such, but lets consider the following.

What is it that constitutes a “genuine revival?”  The word revival does get tossed around a lot in western Christianity which is why I emphasize “genuine.”  Revival certainly is more than being moved emotionally.  It is also much more than so-called “moves of the Spirit” in some charismatic circles.  Some people equate revival with miracles, signs and wonders.  God can certainly work miracles if He pleases, but signs, wonders and the thrill of the spectacular is not what constitutes a genuine revival.  It may very well be that Christians miss a true Spirit-powered revival because what they are looking for are emotional highs and spectacular experiences.

The magisterial Reformers of the 16th century as well as their forerunners in the 14th and 15th centuries such as John Wycliffe, his followers – the Lollards, John Hus of Bohemia; among others, had a passion to see serious moral, civil and spiritual change in the church.  They saw the corruption and sin of the clergy and understood the great need for repentance and radical reformation.  They also saw how the precious doctrines of  Scripture had been buried away and replaced with superstition, works, sacerdotalism and the adoration and mediatorship of Mary and the saints.   The Church had ceased to be the steward of gospel truth.  They gave their lives to see real change in the church.  They wanted to see the gospel and work of the Spirit restored to the church.  They longed to see purity and holiness of lives in the church’s leadership and members.

The 16th century Reformation brought an unprecedented time of hunger for the Word of God.  The Bible was being translated into the common languages of the people in Europe.  The Word of God was being proclaimed passionately in churches.  Many, in fact most of the common people, were hearing the true gospel message for the first time.  Accompanying this biblical preaching was a hunger for the knowledge of God.  People were hearing the Apostle Paul for the first time and could not get enough of it.  Bibles even had to be chained in churches.  People were using their monthly wages and more to obtain a bible or even a portion of Scripture.  The preaching of God’s Word became central again in worship services.

People were asking – “what must I do to be saved?”  The true gospel of justification by the gracious God through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone was restored to the new churches arising throughout Europe.  The doctrines of God’s glorious grace were being taught.  I must add that this was all at a tremendous cost to the Reformers and believers at this time.  During the reign of Bloody Mary alone (1553 – 1558) 300 Protestant Christians who embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ were martyred in England, many more fled the country.  It is said by scholars that the Netherlands saw more persecution and martyrdom among the protestants than in any other time in church history up to this period.  Broadus states, “Religious controversy is inevitable where living faith in definite truth is dwelling side by side with ruinous error and practical evils” (The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther, by Steven Lawson).  Jesus said “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.  For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three…” (Luke 12:51 – 52).

– A passion for holiness.

– A restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

– Celebrating the doctrines of grace.

– Hunger for God’s Word.

– The centrality of preaching in worship.

– The authority of Scripture reestablished.

– Persecution and martyrdom.

-Theocentrism in theology

– Superstition and false teaching rejected.

– God glorified

Well, is that revival?  I certainly believe without question that the 16th century Reformation was a genuine and unprecedented revival.  When Jesus Christ rules and His Truth reigns supreme; when the gospel is loved and treasured and God’s word shatters strongholds – such as the powerful Roman Church of that time, I would say that we have witnessed a true move of the Spirit.

O that God would grant us such a move of His Spirit today.  I don’t need thrills, emotional highs, or spectacular experiences.  I want to see and love Jesus Christ.  To know Him and His Word – that is what I desire.